Saputara is a popular hill station located in the Dang district of Gujarat, near the Maharashtra border. Vapi, an industrial city in southern Gujarat, serves as a common starting point for travelers heading to Saputara due to its connectivity and proximity.

This guide will help you understand the main travel options from Vapi to Saputara, including train, bus, car, and taxi services. You will also find a detailed step-by-step travel plan, practical tips, and advice on the best time to visit Saputara for a comfortable journey.

Getting from Vapi to Saputara – Main Options

Train

Traveling by train is a convenient option if you want to combine rail travel with road transport. However, Saputara does not have a railway station, so you will need to take a train to a nearby station and then use road transport.

• The nearest railway station to Saputara is Waghai, about 25 km away, but it has limited train services. Vapi railway station is well connected on the Western Railway line with frequent trains to major cities.

• From Vapi, you can take a train to Waghai or reach nearby stations like Bilimora or Navapur, then hire a taxi or take a bus to Saputara, which takes around 1 to 1.5 hours by road.

• Train fares from Vapi to Waghai or Bilimora range from ₹50 to ₹150 depending on the class, with travel times between 1 to 2 hours. Booking through IRCTC is recommended to check availability and timings.

• Train frequency is good from Vapi, but onward road transport to Saputara may be less frequent, especially in early mornings and late evenings, so plan accordingly.

• During monsoon season, train services may face delays due to fog or waterlogging on tracks near the Western Ghats, so allow extra travel time.

Bus

Buses are a popular and economical way to reach Saputara from Vapi. Both state-run and private buses operate on this route, offering multiple options throughout the day.

• MSRTC and Gujarat State Road Transport Corporation (GSRTC) run regular buses from Vapi bus depot to Saputara, with journey times averaging 3 to 4 hours covering about 110 km.

• Bus fares typically range from ₹100 to ₹250 depending on the type of bus (ordinary, semi-deluxe, or Volvo AC), with frequent departures from early morning till evening.

• The route follows NH48 and then NH953, passing through scenic areas but also some winding roads near Saputara, so expect slower speeds in the last 30 km.

• During peak holiday seasons and weekends, buses can get crowded, so it is advisable to book tickets in advance via online portals or at the bus station.

• There are several rest stops with food stalls along the highway, including at Valsad and Waghai, offering local snacks and refreshments.

Car / Self-Drive

Driving from Vapi to Saputara is a flexible and comfortable option, especially if you want to explore the region at your own pace. The route is scenic but includes hilly stretches near Saputara.

• The distance by road is approximately 110 km via NH48 and NH953, with an average driving time of 3 to 3.5 hours depending on traffic and road conditions.

• The route is well-maintained with toll plazas near Vapi and on NH48; toll charges may total around ₹150 to ₹200 for a one-way trip.

• Self-drive cars or rental taxis are available in Vapi, with popular providers including Zoomcar and local cab services. Booking in advance is recommended during holidays.

• Driving through the Dang forest area offers beautiful views but requires caution due to sharp bends and occasional wildlife crossings, especially after dusk.

• Fuel stations are available along the highway, but it is advisable to fill up in Vapi before starting as options near Saputara are limited.

Taxi / Cab

Hiring a taxi or cab from Vapi to Saputara is a convenient door-to-door option, especially for groups or families. It offers flexibility and comfort without the hassle of driving yourself.

• Prepaid taxis and app-based cabs like Ola and Uber are available in Vapi, though Uber coverage may be limited; local taxi operators are reliable for this route.

• The taxi fare for a one-way trip ranges from ₹2,000 to ₹3,000 depending on vehicle type and negotiation; shared taxis may be cheaper but less comfortable.

• Travel time by taxi is around 3 to 3.5 hours, with stops possible on request for refreshments or sightseeing.

• It is best to book taxis through trusted local operators or hotel recommendations to avoid overcharging, especially during peak tourist seasons.

• Taxi drivers are usually familiar with the best routes and can help with local information about Saputara’s attractions and accommodation.

Step-by-Step Travel Plan

This step-by-step plan is designed for first-time travelers going from Vapi to Saputara, helping you organize your journey smoothly and avoid common issues.

• Step 1: Decide your preferred mode of transport based on budget, comfort, and time. For example, choose bus for economy or taxi for convenience.

• Step 2: Book tickets or arrange transport in advance, especially during weekends or holidays, using IRCTC for trains or official bus websites and apps for buses.

• Step 3: Pack light but carry essentials like water, snacks, and a raincoat during monsoon, as the hilly roads can be slippery and weather unpredictable.

• Step 4: Reach Vapi railway station or bus depot at least 30 minutes before departure to avoid last-minute rush and secure good seats.

• Step 5: On arrival near Saputara, use local shared jeeps or taxis to reach your accommodation, as the town center has narrow roads unsuitable for large vehicles.

• Step 6: Keep your phone charged and have offline maps ready, since network coverage can be patchy in the forested areas en route.

Practical Travel Tips

• Carry bottled water and avoid drinking tap water in Saputara to prevent stomach issues; local shops and hotels sell safe packaged water.

• Book train and bus tickets online through IRCTC and MSRTC portals to avoid queues and ensure confirmed seats, especially during festivals.

• Use prepaid taxi counters or trusted app-based cabs in Vapi to avoid overcharging and scams; negotiate fares clearly if using local taxis.

• Travel light and avoid carrying heavy luggage, as last-mile transport in Saputara often involves walking or small vehicles with limited space.

• During monsoon (June to September), check weather updates and road conditions as landslides or waterlogging can cause delays on the route.

• Wear comfortable shoes and carry a light jacket for Saputara’s cooler climate, especially in early mornings and evenings.

Best Time & Travel Conditions

The best time to travel from Vapi to Saputara is during the cooler months from October to March when the weather is pleasant and roads are dry. Avoid the monsoon season if you want to prevent travel delays and slippery roads.

Peak tourist seasons around Diwali and Christmas can lead to crowded buses and higher taxi fares, so plan and book early if traveling during these times.

• Avoid traveling during major festivals like Navratri and Diwali when road traffic increases significantly, causing longer travel times.

• Monsoon rains from June to September can cause fog and slippery roads, especially near Saputara’s hills, so extra caution is needed.

• Early morning departures are best to avoid traffic jams and enjoy cooler temperatures on the road.

• Winter months (December and January) may have fog in the Dang region, so allow extra time for safe driving or train travel.

Arrival at Saputara & What to Expect

When you arrive near Saputara, you will find the town nestled in the hills with limited large vehicle access. Most buses and taxis stop at designated points from where you can take local shared jeeps or auto-rickshaws to your hotel or the main market area.

Saputara has several accommodation options near the lake and hilltop areas. Prepaid taxi counters or app-based cabs are not common here, so agree on fares with local drivers beforehand. Walking is often the easiest way to explore the town center.

Conclusion

The most efficient way to reach Saputara from Vapi depends on your priorities. If you want economy and local experience, the bus is a good choice. For comfort and flexibility, hiring a taxi or driving yourself is better. Train travel combined with road transport is possible but less direct.

Plan your trip by booking tickets in advance, checking weather conditions, and preparing for hilly road travel. With proper planning, you can enjoy a smooth journey from Vapi to Saputara and experience the beautiful hill station without stress.